DNR osprey photo contest deadline nears

The third Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Nongame Wildlife Checkoff photo contest is underway. Carrol Henderson, DNR Nongame Wildlife Program supervisor, reminds amateur and professional photographers to send in their photo entries featuring ospreys, before the June 17 deadline.

Winning photos from the contest will be featured in the 2006 Nongame Wildlife Checkoff Poster. The poster helps promote donations to the Nongame Wildlife Program and is available free to people who donate to the Wildlife Checkoff Fund on their Minnesota state tax forms or directly to the Nongame Wildlife Program.

Photographers may submit up to 12 original slides taken in Minnesota. Photos chosen to be included in the year 2006 poster will be published with photo credit. Contest winners will receive a framed copy of their winning photo, along with their choice of a complimentary copy of the best selling CD “Restore Your Shore” or a copy of the award winning book “Landscaping for Wildlife,” both published by the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program.

Slides or transparencies may be submitted with each slide labeled with the photographer’s first and last name. Slides should be submitted in a clear plastic 35mm slide sheet. A self-addressed, stamped envelope must be included for return of the slides.

Entry forms and contest rules may be obtained from the DNR Information Center by calling (651) 296-6157 or toll-free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367), or by visiting the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

DNR Fisheries announces summer schedule for lake and stream surveys

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Area Fisheries Office has announced their schedule for conducting lake and stream surveys and fish population assessments for the summer of 2005. The Brainerd Area Fisheries Crew will conduct these nettings and electrofishing assessments on 16 lakes and 2 streams in Crow Wing and Cass Counties. The surveys and assessments will involve the use of seines, trap nets, gill nets, and electrofishing gear to assess fish populations. Water transparency will be measured and critical habitat will be surveyed for location of emergent plants using GPS. In addition, physical habitat evaluations, aquatic plant surveys and standard chemical analyses will be completed on lakes with full resurveys.

The list of lakes is as follows:

Fish population assessment nettings

Arrowhead Lake: June 6th-8th

Lower Hay Lake: June 6th-9th

Bertha Lake: June 13th-16th

Clamshell Lake: June 13th-16th

Big Bass Lake: June 20th-23rd

Pig Lake: June 20th-23rd

Island-Loon Lake: June 27th-30th

Rush-Hen Lake: June 27th-30th

Little Pine Lake: July 11th-14th

Daggett Lake: July 11th-14th

Big Trout Lake: July 18th-22nd

Big Trout Lake: July 25th-28th

Cross Lake: July 18th-22nd

Whitefish Lake: August 1st-5th

Whitefish Lake: August 8th-12th

White Sand Lake: August 15th-18th

Full Lake Survey

Big Pine Lake: August 22nd-26th

Stream Surveys

Daggett Brook: August 22nd-26th

Stoney Brook Pop. Estimate: August 29th-September 2nd

If you have any questions please contact the Area Fisheries Office in Brainerd at 218/828-2550 or in writing at MN DNR, Area Fisheries, 1601 Minnesota Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401.

DNR refines walleye stocking to improve fishing

Minnesota’s walleye fingerling stocking program - already the largest in the nation - is being further refined to improve angler catch rates.

The new stocking system is an outgrowth of an intensive six-month review of more than 900 stocked walleye lakes. The Department of Natural Resources’ review determined that higher stocking rates could improve walleye angling in some of the 560 lakes stocked with walleye fingerlings. Starting this fall the DNR will double stocking rates in about half of these lakes and increase stocking by about 30 percent in the remainder.

“We are shifting gears,” said John Guenther, DNR Fish and Wildlife Division director. “We are placing greater emphasis on maximizing return to the angler.”

Lakes with high fishing pressure but little natural reproduction will get the biggest bump in walleye fingerlings. Next will be lakes where walleye are pursued, but share the spotlight with bass and panfish. Lakes with sporadic natural reproduction will be monitored more closely and may receive more fingerlings over time. Since 2000, the DNR has stocked an increasing number of 5- to 7-inch walleye, known as fingerlings. On average 136,400 pounds of fingerlings are stocked annually.

Last year, the DNR stocked 143,000 pounds. This year’s target is 160,000 pounds. The DNR also stocks about 230 million walleye fry each year.

“The new stocking system will not change our management approach to the large self-sustaining walleye lakes,” said Guenther. “We do not stock the self-sustaining lakes nor do we stock lakes where walleye are not appropriate. However, the changes does mean for the lakes we do stock, we are serious about maximizing benefits to anglers and dispelling any misplaced notion that we are not doing enough.”

Guenther noted that despite the stepped-up stocking effort clean water, habitat conservation and catch-and-release are the heart of fish long-term conservation. “We raise millions of fish each year in our hatcheries,” said Guenther “but hatcheries are not a panacea. Anyone who wants quality fishing tomorrow needs to be working today to conserve the quality of our waters, shoreline and shallow habitat and the ethic of recycling our catch.”

Ron Payer, DNR chief of fisheries management, said statewide fisheries staff participated in the stocking review and helped develop the final plan. “It was collaborative effort involving extensive review and was a good investment of time,” he said. Dick Sternberg, an independent fisheries biologist, had a hand in the plan. Sternberg was contracted by the DNR in 2004 to review the walleye stocking program.

He compiled stocking summaries and worked with certain fisheries staff to pinpoint opportunities for potential higher catch rates for anglers.

“It was a good process,” said Sternberg. “The DNR shared its data. I reviewed it. And then we worked together to refine where and how often stocking should occur for maximum potential benefit to anglers. I was particularly pleased with the outcome of more intensive management of lakes where natural reproduction is sporadic.”

Sternberg also found favor with DNR stocking efforts related to walleye fry and frylings. “Fry and fryling stockings can also be very effective in supplementing walleye populations when a lake has poor natural reproduction,” Sternberg said.

“The way DNR manages its walleye waters - including the use of electro-fishing boats in fall to determine if natural reproduction or spring stocking took hold - is a very effective way of maintaining high quality walleye populations.”

Pete Jacobson, DNR fisheries researcher, said the new stocking rate — commonly the equivalent of one pound of fingerlings annually for every acre of the lake that’s shallower than 15 feet - should maximize walleye abundance in most stocked lakes.

“Because of limits on forage and habitat, stocking walleye beyond this rate would not result in more fish,” he said. “In fact, stocking beyond this rate might result in fewer walleyes.”

The additional stocking will increase costs. “Doubling our stocking rate in some 280 lakes effectively doubles the expense at those lakes. It does not, however, double walleye abundance. We expect a 23 percent increase in walleye abundance on average.”

Fisheries managers are hopeful that changes to the walleye stocking program today will result in better fishing four to five years in the future, when fish stocked at the higher rate begin to reach a catchable size.

“Walleye stocking, whether it’s fry or fingerlings, is a continuously adaptive process,” said Henry Drewes, DNR northwest regional fisheries manager. “That means we manage based on science and the realities of nature. The new stocking plan does not change that. Instead, it simply provides guidance to that end.”

Tim Goeman, regional fisheries manager at Grand Rapids, agreed. “The goal of the new stocking adjustments is to put more fish on anglers’ lines,” said Goeman. “And if that happens - it will take about a 20 percent increase in catch rates for anglers to notice - we will have moved the stocking program forward yet again.”

Field crews from the Grand Rapids area fisheries office will be busy conducting lake and stream surveys and assessments on a number of lakes and streams this summer. “The survey season really begins right after the ice goes out and some years lasts right up to freeze-up” said Chris Kavanaugh, Area Fisheries Supervisor.

The season began with ice-out trap netting for muskies on North Star Lake. Right after the ice goes out is prime time for muskies to begin cruising the shallows seeking out spawning areas. Standard summer netting samples relatively few muskies, the spring netting gives a much better picture of the status of the population. Muskie lakes are sampled about one in five years in the spring.

Just as spring gives a good picture of the muskie population it is also an ideal time to sample northern pike, as was done on Coon-Sandwick Lake to help evaluate a special regulation. “We generally sample many northern pike in summer netting,” said Kavanaugh, “but the spring netting usually produces more of the large pike and really helps us to understand the population.”

Bass are also a species that are not frequently sampled in standard summer netting so another sampling tool is used, electrofishing. Using a boat specifically designed to put an electrical charge into the water to temporarily stun the fish, fisheries crews move along the shoreline at night to sample both largemouth and smallmouth bass. This sampling is very weather dependent, it can’t be done in the rain or when it is windy which limits visibility. This sampling is done in late May to early June. Lakes to be sampled this year include; Deer (near Deer River), Big Island, Island (south of Hibbing), Beauty, North Star, Pokegama, Spider, Turtle, Wabana, Three Island, and Coon-Sandwick.

Bluegill will be sampled in Bass Lake as part of the evaluation of a special regulation. Deer, Battle and Pickerel (east of Effie) will also be sampled for bluegill to collect data for a proposed special regulation. This sampling is done when water temperatures reach about 65 degrees and has proven an effective method to sample the spawning population. This year we anticipate this sampling to begin immediately after Memorial Day.

The lake survey and assessments, using standard gill nets and trap nets, will begin on June 13. Typically, two lakes are sampled each week. The lakes and projected dates are as follows:

Nashwauk and Beauty, June 13; Johnson (off Highway 38) and Stingy, June 20; Bear and Crooked, June 27; Gate, July 5; Wabana and Coon-Sandwick, July 11; Big Island and Bass, July 18; Deer and Pokegama, July 25; Spider and Swan, August 1; Turtle and Sand (St. Louis County), August 8; Island (south of Hibbing) and Canisteo, August 15; North Star and Little North Star, August 22; Alice and Little Wabana, August 29. A trout assessment will be done on Tioga and Camp 4 sometime in October. Lake Winnibigoshish is sampled every year, beginning in the last week of June and extending through the second week in August.

In the fall several lakes will be sampled for walleye young of the year using electrofishing. At this time we anticipate doing Sand, Bowstring, Jessie, Round, Island and Swan.

Streams to be surveyed this year include Smith, Tributary to Smith and the St. Louis River.

This winter the field data will be analyzed and compiled in a report and form the basis for an updated lake management plan for each of the lakes or streams. For more information, contact the Grand Rapids area fisheries office,1201 East Highway 2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 or call (218) 327-4430

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is making $280,000 available in grants for restoring native shoreline vegetation across the state.

Grant recipients will be reimbursed for a maximum of 75 percent of the total project costs. Applicants must be able to fund at least 25 percent of the total project costs from non-state sources. Matching funds may be cash, volunteer labor, and in-kind contributions of materials, equipment, and services.

“This is an opportunity for homeowners, local communities and conservation organizations to help enhance native shoreline vegetation and fish habitat in their local lakes, streams and rivers,” said John Hiebert, DNR shoreland habitat coordinator. “A total of 29 projects were funded for $276,000 in 2004-2005.”

Applications for grants, are available on the Minnesota DNR Web site at: www.dnr.state.mn.us or by calling the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).

Completed grant applications are due Sept. 16.

Successful applicants will be notified in January and funds will be made available to successful applicants after July 1, 2006.

The grants are funded from state lottery proceeds deposited in the Heritage Enhancement Account. Grants are administered through the DNR Division of Fisheries and Wildife and designed with guidance from local DNR fisheries managers.

Herb Dingmann reported an adult male CINNAMON TEAL in southern Mahnomen County on May 26th. The bird was found on the south side of County Road 12, roughly one-third of a mile west of County Road 3.

In Clay County, the ROCK WREN and two SAYâ?TS PHOEBES are still being seen daily. Directions from the town of Felton are to travel south on State Highway 9 for two miles. Turn east on County Road 108, and drive to the T-intersection. Follow the gravel road left and north to the gravel pit area.

There is a secondhand report of a YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER seen on or around May 22nd in Dakota County, along 155th Street between Angus and Barbara avenues.

Peder Svingen found a BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK in Rock County on May 24th. It was along the road that runs east, and then north, of the water-filled gravel pits that are south of Blue Mounds State Park. The grosbeak soon disappeared and Peder was unable to relocate it.

Out of range was the LARK BUNTING found May 26th in the city of Ely, in St. Louis County. From the north side of town, turn right onto State Highway 1 for one block, then left onto the dirt road. Check for the bird along the fence line of the ball field.

Bill Marengo found four AMERICAN AVOCETS at Mile Marker 17 of Highway 28, just east of Barry in Big Stone County.

In Duluth, nine RED-THROATED LOONS were seen by Sparky Stensaas on May 23rd, past the Sky Harbor Airport on Park Point. Three PARASITIC JAEGERS were seen out from the recreational area of Park Point on the same day. An ARCTIC TERN was reported here last weekend but has not been seen recently.

There have been many reports of NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD over the past week. One was seen on May 21st in Scott County, just west of Murphy Lake Boulevard, in the southwest corner of Murphy-Hanrehan Park, about half a mile north of 175th Street. On the same day, another was at the Minnesota River Valley Refuge Headquarters in Bloomington. In western Brown County, Brian Smith found one along 400th Avenue, just north of the intersection with 140 Street. On May 24th, Bob O’Connor found a Northern Mockingbird in Moorhead’s Gooseberry Park in Clay County. To view this bird, check the edge of the woods, from the park shelter to the footbridge.

Four more Northern Mockingbirds were found along the north shore of Lake Superior: one on the University of Minnesota Duluth campus at St. Marie Street and University Drive on the 24th, another at the scenic overlook over Boy Scout Landing in west Duluth on the 21st, one on the west end of Stoney Point Drive near Knife River, and another at the Two Harbors Lighthouse on the 23rd. In Hennepin County, Karen Murri reported one on the lawn behind the office building at 2381 Rosegate in Roseville.

Cole Foster reported seeing a SUMMER TANAGER on May 20th at the southeast end of Linwood Lake in northern Anoka County, near the northwest corner of Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area. To view this bird, take Jordell Street north from Lexington Avenue to a T-intersection at the southern end of Linwood Lake. Take a right at the T and park at the dead end. There is an informal trail at the dead end which leads to the main trail that runs along the eastern shore of Linwood Lake. The bird was in the area where the informal trail intersects the main trail.

The Fishing Hot Spots this week are the cities of of MONTEVIDEO and ORTONVILLE, where good numbers of walleye are being taken from Lake Lac Qui Parle, the Minnesota River, and the south end of Big Stone Lake.

Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing http://www.wildlifelicense.com/mn/index.html

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

MONTEVIDEO
Walleye action has been excellent on Lake Lac Qui Parle. Anglers are catching limits in 4-5 feet of water at the rocks using lindy rigs and minnows, or minnows under bobbers. A few anglers are also taking fish on crankbaits. The Minnesota River is producing numbers of walleye as well. Crappie anglers continue to pull fish from Lac Qui Parle.

ORTONVILLE
The Big Stone Lake walleye bite is going strong on the south end of the lake, from town to the Meadowbrook area, especially during evening hours. For the most fish, try a jig abd minnow combination, or a casting plug in 4-5 feet of water. Walleyes are also coming out of the Minnesota River at the Odessa Dam and Correll Bridge. The best approach has been casting twistertails from shore, with some northern pike also being reported.

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TWIN CITIES FISHING REPORTS

ST. CLOUD
Anglers are reporting better fishing conditions. For panfish, try Koronis, Alexander and Big Birch lakes. The Mississippi River continues to produce walleyes. For northern pike, hit Pearl and Little Rock lakes. This weekend, look for excellent smallmouth bass action on the Mississippi River. Most area lakes should be giving up largemouth bass.

ANNANDALE
Clearwater Lake is warming up, and fish are moving back into the shallows. The lake is very clear, and weeds are emerging. Anglers are seeing sunfish, crappies and bass in 2-3 feet of water. Crappie anglers report bass hitting their lines, and should still be in the shallows this weekend for the opener. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows in depths of 3-12 feet. Try trolling spinnerbaits for few fish as well. Walleyes are hitting minnows and shiners on a lindy rig, with fish found scattered in 6- to 25-foot depths. Walleyes have been most active during lowlight hours.

WACONIA
On Lake Waconia, the walleye bite remains best during evening hours and into nightime hours. Crappies and sunnies continue to bite in the shallows and along shorelines, with northern pike and bass found in the same areas. For this weekend’s bass opener, try Reinke’s Bay on the southeast corner of the lake, or around Peterson’s Creek. For early season bass action, try shorter plastics. Bobber fishing with live bait is also a good bet.

WAYZATA
On Lake Minnetonka, walleye action is improving, with fish being pulled from 10-12 feet of water during early morning and evening hours. Work the channels where they funnel out into the main bays using a slip bobber and leech, or a lindy rig,floater and fathead minnow for the most fish. The bass opener this Saturday should be excellent–the best approach should be spinnerbaits worked in roughly 3 feet of water. Please use care when handling spawning females, and release them if pulled from their beds. Sunnies continue to hit small jigs tipped with waxworms in 4-5 feet of water, especially at the northern bays such as Maxwell, Black, Gray’s or Gideon’s. For northern pike, work the 3- to 5-foot weedlines using beetlespins or small crankbaits.

CHISAGO CITY
Anglers are catching walleyes in 6-8 feet of water during lowlight hours, and in 12-18 foot depths during the day. The three best walleye lakes recently have been South Lindstrom, North and South Center lakes. For the most fish, try jumbo fatheads or golden shiners, with leeches starting to attract walleyes as well. Sunfish remain in the shallows, and the crappies can be found in depths of 10-12 feet. Panfish action has been best on sunny days.

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NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

DULUTH
Walleyes are coming from Fish Lake, with numbers of crappies mixed in–try jigheads tipped with shiners or rainbow chubs in 12-18 feet of water for the most fish. Island Lake and the St. Louis River are also producing plenty of walleyes.

KABETOGAMA
On Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, lst weekend’s strong winds limited the amount of time on the water and which areas could be fished. The best reports came from jig anglers working 30- to 38-foot depths on the windward sides of the reefs and islands. And quite a few larger walleyes, measuring over 17-inches, were pulled from the shallows. Anglers are also having success after dark. Northern pike, most weighing under 5 pounds, are on the prowl and keeping anglers busy. Smallmouth bass are hitting both live bait and artificials. And the crappies remain deep and elusive.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS
On Rainy Lake, anglers are bringing in plenty of northern pike of all sizes. Walleye anglers are releasing quite a few fish measuring in the low 20s, within the protected slot, and two parties released trophy-sized 28- and 30-inch walleyes. Numbers of nice 13- to 14-inch walleye are also being reported. Recent warm temperatures are expected to increase the crappie action in Black Bay. The Rainy River is somewhat higher than usual, and the current is somewhat stronger than usual–try a crawler in 12-18 feet of water for the most fish, however various methods are working well. Below the Dam at International Falls, walleye anglers are finding fish. Further downstream, toward Pelland Junction and Loman, anglers are having success with northern pike and smallmouth bass. Area public accesses are in good shape and parking has not been a problem.

GRAND RAPIDS
The minnows are moving into the shorelines and the walleyes are right behind. On cloudy days, start in 6- to 10-foot depths; on sunny days, hit deeper waters. Round Lake has been consistent for nice-sized walleyes, with light green jigs tipped with smaller shiners working best. Lake Pokegama is producing a few walleyes, and recently gave up a 29-inch catch-and-release fish. Splithand, Wabana and Spider lakes are also starting to give up walleye with the recent warm temperatures. Northern pike action has been good on Spider, Balsam and Trout lakes. For the most fish, try a sucker minnow on a jig or spinner rig at the shorelines. This weekend’s bass opener should be good considering the number of bass being caught by northern pike anglers.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE
On the South Shore of Lake of the Woods, last weekend’s 2005 North Star Spring Walleye Classic was a great success, with 41 teams competing over the weekend. Overall, walleye action on the South Shore has been excellent. For the most fish, try a jig tipped a minnow, especially around Four Mile Bay, at the Lighthouse Gap, in front of Pine Island, and near the Morris Point Gap. At the Northwest Angle and Islands area, nice-sized walleyes are coming from the shallows. The best approach has been a crankbait worked in 2-8 feet of water. And of special note, a possible record-breaking lake sturgeon was pulled from the Rainy River on May 4. The sturgeon measured 71-inches in length, with a 34-inch girth. According to Department of Natural Resources, the fish was estimated to weigh 122 pounds! This is one of several huge sturgeon that have been caught on the river recently.

BEMIDJI
Walleye anglers are having success on Bemidji, Irving, Pike Bay and Big lakes. The recent walleye fishing contest on Lake Bemidji produced a 10.4-pound walleye. Try a jig and shiner in 6-10 feet of water for the most fish. Some anglers are pulling fish from depths of 14-16 feet and deeper on Lake Andrusia, with a few already using leeches. For this weekend’s bass opener, hit the shallows of Stump, Deer, Gull, Beltrami, North or South Twin lakes.

BENA
On Lake Winnibigoshish, walleyes are coming from a few different depths depending on the side of the lake. Towards the Highbanks, try 14-17 feet of water, however other areas of the lake are producing fish in 7- to 14-foot depths. The best approach has been a fireball jig tipped with a shiner minnow. Some anglers are having success on the Cutfoot side of the lake, with good walleye action from Mallard Point down to Sugar Bay. Water temperatures have remained stationary since the opener, causing some confusion. The shiners are sporadically coming into shore when the wind lets up and the sun comes out, but the walleyes appear to be laying on the secondary breaks waiting for the shiners to move shallow to spawn. For Memorial Day Weekend, the best bet is to hit Bowen’s Flats, the North Shore, Stony Point, Raven’s Point, and Musky Bay using a 1/8- or 1/4- ounce tri-tone watermelon fireball jig.

PELICAN RAPIDS
Fishing has been good on most area lakes, with a mixed bag of walleyes, crappies and sunfish being reported. Some of the better locations include Prairie, Lida and Crystal lakes. Leeches, shiners and nightcrawlers are all producing fish. And for this weekend’s bass opener, try Prairie Lake.

BATTLE LAKE
Walleye are hitting shiners in 15-20 feet of water on West Battle and Ottertail lakes. East Battle is also producing fish. Crappies are active in the shallows of Clitheral and Dead lakes at the weeds. This Saturday, look for largemouth bass on East Battle and Clitheral lakes; for smallmouth bass, hit Ottertail Lake.

ALEXANDRIA
Walleyes are active in most of the smaller, shallow lakes, such as Reno and Mary. Lake Miltona is producing walleyes in 20- to 25-foot depths. Shiners and fatheads are producing the majority of fish. Crappie action has been good on Le Homme dieu, Darling, Ida and Miltona lakes in 7-10 feet of water. One angler recently caught a 3-pound, 3-ounce crappie on an unidentified area lake. Bass are currently in the shallows–this Saturday, try Darling, Carlos and Le Homme Dieu lakes for the bass opener.

STARBUCK
Walleye action is picking up on Lake Minnewaska, with fish being pulled from 18-20 feet of water on shiners and fatheads. On Lake Emily, anglers are having success fishing from shore using leeches and shiners. Sunnies and crappies remain active on Minnewaska at the Staburck Marina and the Fish Hatchery. The bass bite is expected to be good this weekend in the shallows at the emerging pencil reeds and bulrushes.

BRAINERD
The best walleye action last week was on Pelican Lake, with Gull Lake also giving up a few fish. The better locations have been the wind blown points, just outside of the weeds. For the most fish, try a spot-tail shiner on a lindy rig in 15-25 feet of water during the day, and in 5-15 foot depths during evening hours. Crappie action remains strong, however most fish are now moving out of the shallows, and just starting to show up in the pencil reeds. Reports have been best on Hubert Lake. Northern pike have been finicky–only a few fish, in the 2- to 4-pound range, have been reported.

NISSWA
Walleye and crappie action has been good. On Gull Lake, walleye are hitting lindy rigs, plain hooks and shiners worked in 16-24 feet of water during evening hours, with numbers of 13- to 16-inch fish being reported. Some larger fish are being taken on jigs and shiners worked in deeper waters. Some of the bettter locations include Grassy Point, Dutchman’s Bluff, and the south end of the lake. Round Lake is also giving up a few fish in similar depths. Northern pike have been extrememly active on the Gull Lake Chain. Sucker minnows seem to be working best, with fish up to 10 pounds coming in last week. Large black crappies are hitting crappie minnows and puddle jumpers on many of the smaller area lakes. The sunnies should join the crappies as the water warms. Overall, expect some of the best fishing all season during the next ten days!

ISLE
On Lake Mille Lacs, some good walleye action is being reported during the day in 15-22 feet of water. For the most fish, try a live bait rig tipped with a leech or shiner. Towards evening, work 8-12 foot depths on the shallow rock reefs using a a slip bobber and angle worm, or a jig and leech set-up. This bite usually begins around 8:00-8:30 p.m. Some of the better reefs include Agate, Big Point, Izaty’s and Anderson’s. For northern pike, Vineland Bay is your best bet. Please remember that the temporary night ban is now in effect–no one may fish for any species or possess fishing gear on the lake from 10:00 p.m. through 6:00 a.m., until 12:01 a.m. on June 13.

Northern pike study on Mille Lacs continues

Anglers who catch one of more than 7,000 Mille Lacs Lake northern pike marked with a numbered, plastic tag are asked to report their catch to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The tags, which resemble a short length of coated electrical wire, are anchored under the dorsal fin on northern pike as well as on walleye and some muskie. The northern pike were tagged this spring by biologists from the DNR, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Fond du Lac Band of Resource Management Division.

“We need anglers’ help in establishing how many northern pike are in Mille Lacs, ” said Rick Bruesewitz, DNR 1837 Treaty biologist. “From there we can begin to clarify population trends and better manage the fishery.”

Additional northern pike will be sampled with gill nets that will be set for very short lengths of time, which renders them nonlethal. Staff from DNR or the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission will check the net sets every one to two hours to reduce fish mortality. “With such short set times and cooler water, we rarely have problems with killing fish,” Brusewitz said. “If that does occur, we’ll shorten the set time or use other means to collect the fish.”

Anglers who plan to release a tagged fish should write down the tag number without removing the tag. If a tagged fish is harvested, anglers are asked to return the tag to the DNR.

Reports of tagged fish should include the following information:

- tag number and approximately where the fish was caught in the lake

- length of the fish, the date of the catch and if the fish was harvested or released

- whether the fish was caught from a boat, a commercial launch, or from shore

- the angler’s name, address, telephone number and, if available, e-mail address.

Anglers who report catching a tagged fish will receive information on where and when the fish was tagged and whether the fish had been previously caught and released.

Reports of tagged fish may be sent electronically to fishtags@dnr.state.mn.us or by calling (218) 927-3751 (DNR Fisheries - Aitkin), or by calling toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367) or by mailing to DNR Fisheries, PO Box 138 Aitkin, MN 56431.

In Clay County, the ROCK WREN was still present on rock pile number 6002 as of May 18th. Connie Brunell found two SAY’S PHOEBES nearby on May 15th. Directions from the town of Felton are to travel south on State Highway 9 for two miles, turn east on County Road 108, and drive to the T intersection. Follow the gravel road left and north to the gravel pit area. Rock pile numbers 6002 and 6006 are just to the left, past the gate. Also at the Felton Prairie, a LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH could still be seen in the wooded area just northeast of the eastern terminus of County Road 108. A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was seen as well by Bob O’Connor. The bird was found on a wooden piling along the road to the Blazing Star Prairie, which is the gravel road running south from the juntion of County Roads 34 and 110.

Also on May 15th, John Ellis saw a WHITE-FACED IBIS at the Osakis sewage ponds in Douglas County. The Ibis was in the pond closest to Interstate 94, as you travel from town towards the ponds.

A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER was found by Ben Fritchman on the 15th, just north of the town of Little Falls in Morrison County. It was seen at the picnic shelter of a county park along Highway 371.

Nels Thompson photographed a LAZULI BUNTING at his feeders in Steele County. Though the bird has not been seen since May 13th, directions from Interstate 35 are to take Exit Number 32, and travel east for three-quarters of a mile. Before the road reaches a T intersection, turn left up the driveway at Route Number 2328.

On May 15th, Randy Frederickson found a PIPING PLOVER in a wetland in southeastern Kandiyohi County. The wetland is two and one-half miles east of the intersection of State Highway 7 and County Road 8. At Mile Marker 118, look for the driveway at Fire Call 16001. Since this is public land, you may continue down the driveway and park in the open area west of the old building site. Walk down the road to the southeast to the wetlands where the Plover was seen. Another Piping Plover was at Lake Byllesby on the same day, as was a CATTLE EGRET. John Ellis reported 31 Cattle Egrets on the same day in a cow pasture at the southeastern end of Pelican Lake in Grant County.

A SNOWY EGRET was found on May 15th by Wally Swanson and Glenn Lee at Rice Lake State Park in Steele County. The bird was foraging amongst the reeds near the middle of the lake.

Somewhat far north was the COMMON MOORHEN discovered by Herb Dingmann in a portion of the Rum River State Forest in western Kanabec County. From the junction of County Roads 10 and 56, travel west on 56 for roughly one and one-half miles. Turn left onto Apple Street and drive past the cattail pond on the right to the open water. Look for the Moorhen here.

On the 13th, Kim Eckert found an adult LITTLE GULL at Park Point in Duluth. It was on the Lake Superior side of the Point, just out from 31st Street, associating with a large flock of Bonaparte’s Gulls. Earlier in the afternoon, Mike Hendrickson reported several RED-THROATED LOONS out from the Recreation Area on the lake.

There was an interesting report of a second-summer LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL found on May 12th by Doug Kieser. It was seen roosting with a group of gulls and terns on the grassy island in the Purgatory Creek wetlands of Eden Prairie, in Hennepin County. Also present were 145 CASPIAN TERNS and a single Cattle Egret.

On the 14th, Al Schirmacher visited Crow-Hassan Park Reserve in Hennepin County and reported a possible YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT calling from a small grove of trees. Walk about eight minutes down the center foot path to locate the grove of trees.

There have been three additional reports of WESTERN TANAGER since last week. On May 13th, Betty Smith reported a Western Tanager in her yard along Clausen Street in Bemidji, in Beltrami County. Another one was at Cheryl Creeger’s home in Rock County on the same day. And George Eckman’s home was visited by a Western Tanager on the 13th in the town of Oronoco, in Olmsted County.

Ron Erpelding found a GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE on the 13th in Luxemburg Township of southeastern Stearns County. The exact location was the northeastern corner of the southwestern quarter of Section 25.

The Fishing Hot Spot this week is the city of WACONIA where Lake Waconia continues to produce numbers of walleyes and northern pike.

Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing http://www.wildlifelicense.com/mn/index.html

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

MANKATO FISHING REPORT
During last weekend’s fishing opener, a few large walleye came out of 28 feet of water on Lake Washington. Lindy rigs with long snells tipped with crawlers or leeches worked best. On Lura Lake, action was good when trolling spinner rigs and crawlers along the weedlines. On Crystal Lake, numbers of smaller walleyes and a few decent-sized walleyes were taken on a jig and minnow combination. Crappie action has been best in Crystal Bay on Lake Washington. For the most fish, try a small flu flu jig, a hair jig, or a minnow under a bobber in 4 feet of water. Catfish can be found using large suckers on the Minnesota River.

MONTEVIDEO FISHING REPORT
Anglers are taking walleyes from the shallows of Lake Lac qui Parle on jig and minnow combinations. A mixture of walleyes and northern pike are being pulled from the Minnesota River near the Hwy 75 Dam, as well as at the dam in town. For the most fish, try casting spoons, or jigs and twister tails. A few walleyes are also being taken from the Chippewa River. Crappie action continues to improve on Lac qui Parle as water temperatures rise.

ORTONVILLE FISHING REPORT
On Big Stone Lake, walleye are most active during evening hours, especially along the south end of the lake and near Laguna Beach. The best approach has been a leech under a bobber, or a plug cast into roughly 3-4 feet of water.

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TWIN CITIES FISHING REPORTS

ST. CLOUD FISHING REPORT
Walleye anglers are having success fishing above and below the Blanchard Dam, and below the 10th Street Dam on the Mississippi River. Alexander and Rush lakes are also producing fish. Clearwater, Grand, Cedar Island, Briggs and Sugar lakes are giving up panfish, and Little Rock Lake has been good for northern pike and perch.

EDEN VALLEY/ROCKVILLE FISHING REPORT
During the opener, walleye action was best in the river pockets off the Horseshoe Chain. At present, walleyes are hitting shiners worked in 12-14 feet of water on Horseshoe Lake. Walleye can also be found in the shallow weeds on Lake Koronis, and in slightly deeper waters on Rice Lake. Try a jig and minnow combination for the most fish. Northern pike can be found in the shallows, using shiners or sucker minnows. Crappie action has been slow, but numbers of panfish are being pulled from the shallow on waxworms. Fishing should improve considerably by this weekend due to warm temperatures.

WACONIA FISHING REPORT
On Lake Waconia, walleye action was excellent during the fishing opener. Several fish over 24 inches were caught and released, with the largest weighing 8 pounds, 12 ounces. Jigs tipped with fathead minnows, and any type of shallow-water crankbait seemed to work well. A jig and minnow was best during the day. Anglers reported many northerns mixed in with the walleyes. For crappie action, try crappie minnows and small flu flus once the water temperatures rise.

CHISAGO CITY FISHING REPORT
Although the opener was cold, the action was pretty good, and anglers reported quite a few walleyes. Chisago Lake produced the most fish, however walleyes were also pulled from Green, North and South Center lakes. For the most fish, hit the gravel and sand using a jig and fathead, or a leech under a bobber in 6-13 feet of water.

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NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

DULUTH FISHING REPORT
Anglers reported good results during last weekend’s opener. On Fish Lake, most anglers caught lots of fish, with many limiting out on walleyes between 14-22 inches. There were also reports of large crappies mixed in with the walleyes. Fish were found in 12-18 feet of water hitting jigheads tipped with shiners or rainbows. On Island Lake, there were also high numbers of walleyes taken using the same approach, although in slightly deeper waters. St. Louis River anglers reported great action using jigs and minnows from the 23 Bridge, all the way down to Spirit Lake. Some anglers are also having success using crawlers and leech rigs. Along the South Shore of Lake Superior, there has been good coho and laker action using bombers and thundersticks on top.

KABETOGAMA FISHING REPORT
On Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, cold temperatures and strong north winds have limited angler activity. Anglers worked the shallow bays and off resort docks, but the walleyes were not to be found. There were, however, many reports of small northerns being pulled from all depths, but primarily from the shallows. The majority of successful walleye anglers fished mid-depths down to 35 feet using a jig and minnow. Some success was reported when fishing shallower depths on the north-facing shorelines where the winds were somewhat obstructed. More sun and warmer temperatures are in the forecast, which should help with some shallow water fishing this weekend.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS FISHING REPORT
Anglers had success last weekend on Rainy Lake once they got out of the wind and into a protected bay. Some large northern pike and several keeper walleye were taken when using a jig tipped with a minnow. There were also some reports of success when fishing the Rainy River, although the bass were more active than the walleye.

GRAND RAPIDS FISHING REPORT
Some of the best action last weekend was on the Mississippi River, which was disturbed less by the winds and fronts. The forecast is looking much better for this weekend so fishing should improve considerably.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE FISHING REPORT
On Lake Of The Woods, anglers were not disappointed as they pulled in limit after limit last weekend. The South Shore offered excellent fishing in 11-15 feet of water on jigs tipped with minnows or leeches. Walleyes in the 15- to 19-inch range were abundant, with a few 21-inch catch-and-release walleyes taken as well. Rainy River anglers had success at the airport area near Baudette. The river is currently high due to heavy rains and water having been released from the east. At the Northwest Angle and Islands area, anglers were limiting out in the bays, near the resorts, using nightcrawlers in 14-18 feet of water.

BLACKDUCK FISHING REPORT
Last weekend the walleyes were biting in 10-14 feet of water on Blackduck Lake. A jig and minnow combination, or leech under a bobber produced the most fish. And the crappie bite on Upper Red Lake has been good when the wind dies down, and water temperatures warm.

WALKER FISHING REPORT
On Leech Lake, the fishing opener was very windy, making it hard to fish. By Sunday, the wind died down, and lots of fish were taken, although most were slot fish. The best approach was to work the shallow points and bars, as well as the weed edges of the northern bays using a green or orange jig tipped with a minnow. Numbers of northern pike were also reported. Fishing is expected to improve as the water warms.

BENA FISHING REPORT
On Lake Winnibigoshish, opening day weather was tough with the high winds, rain and even some sleet. The water temperature decreased and the walleyes moved deeper than usual, and electronics showed schools of shiner minnows at similar depths. Mallard, Sugar, and The Highbanks areas produced the most limits, as well as many catch-and-release walleyes. A light fireball jig and small shiner minnow was the best approach. A slow presentation was key. Check the area off the first break in 10-20 feet of water for the most walleye. This weekend’s warmer temperatures should improve fishing considerably. Once the water warms, try Tamarack Point, The Dishes and Plughat Point–these areas are typcially where shiners spawn and traditionally where the walleyes will be for several weeks.

PARK RAPIDS FISHING REPORT
Walleye were taken on shiners worked in 14 feet of water on Island, Potato and Eagle lakes during last weekend’s opener. Northerns were hitting jig and sucker combinations in 12 feet of water. Panfish action was down, but this week’s warmer temperatures should improve fishing considerably.

PELICAN RAPIDS FISHING REPORT
A few walleye were taken last weekend from Lida and Pelican lakes. This weekend should be more productive due to warmer weather.

BATTLE LAKE FISHING REPORT
Last weekend, most walleyes were pulled from 12-20 feet of water on minnows, with a few taken on leeches. The largest walleye reported was a 29.5-inch fish. Anglers had the most success at the weeds of Ottertail, Silver, Rush and Battle lakes, with plenty of northern pike also being reported. Crappies have moved into 10-12 feet of water, and are also hitting minnows. Sunnies can be found in slightly deeper water.

ALEXANDRIA FISHING REPORT
Walleye action has been best during lowlight hours since area lakes are very clear due to last weekend’s cold temperatures. For the most fish, try a jig and minnow on Oscar, Reno or Mary lakes. Crappie action continues to be good on the Chain of Lakes.

STARBUCK FISHING REPORT
On Pelican Lake, numbers of good-size, 3- to 4-pound walleye were taken by trolling through the shallows using a shiner minnow. On the Chippewa River near Benson, walleyes were hitting nightcrawlers and slip sinker rigs off shore. On Lake Minnewaska, the walleye opener was slow, however plenty of crappies and sunnies were pulled from the Starbuck Marina and the Fish Hatchery.

BRAINERD FISHING REPORT
While the fishing opener was slow, a few days of warm weather should result in increased walleye action. Crappie action remained good, with numbers of fish taken from the shallows. Many walleye anglers gave up and turned their attention to the crappies. The best approach was a small jig under a bobber in 3-5 feet of water.

CROSSLAKE FISHING REPORT
Last weekend, Whitefish Lake gave up some nice walleye on jigs tipped with shiner minnows or leeches in 12-24 feet of water. Pelican, Edwards and Crosslake also produced a few walleyes in depths of 16-24 feet. Northern pike action was good, with both northerns and bass being pulled from the shallows. For consistent crappie action, work the shallows near shore using small jigs and minnows.

NISSWA FISHING REPORT
While the opener was tough, some anglers did find walleye in the deeper waters. On Gull Lake, walleyes were hitting shiners in depths of 20-35 feet. Round Lake produced a few walleyes in 16-24 foot depths. Anglers trolling rapalas at night had mixed results. As the water warms, the fishing should gradually improve. Crappie action remains good, especially on lakes Margaret and Hubert. On Margaret, the larger crappies could be found in 5-10 feet of water. On Hubert, a recent bug hatch led to crappies feeding on bugs near the surface, with anglers finding fish just one below the surface. Small crappie minnows and puddle jumpers under a bobber seemed to work best. The sunfish are also up in the shallows–try angle worms or small leeches for some nice-sized panfish.

ISLE FISHING REPORT
On Lake Mille Lacs, anglers had the most success last weekend on the north end in 8-14 feet of water. A few decent reports also came from Vineland Bay. Leeches and shiners produced the most fish, especially during early morning hours. Look for fishing to improve as the weather improves. For northern pike, try suckers in Cove and Wahkon Bays. Please remember that the temporary night ban is now in effect on Lake Mille Lacs. No one may fish for any species or possess fishing gear on the lake from 10 p.m. through 6 a.m. The night ban ends at 12:01 a.m. on June 13.